Rotation pointed antenna for fixed wireless wide area networks

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for combining signals received from a direct broadcast satellite system with signals received from a wireless network, includes a satellite antenna for receiving the signals from the direct broadcast satellite system; and a wireless network antenna, co-located with the satellite antenna, for receiving the signals from the wireless network. The wireless network antenna includes an antenna assembly that is rotated by a controller based on characteristics of the signals received from the wireless network. The controller energizes and de-energizes a motor to mechanically rotate the antenna assembly to properly align the wireless network antenna to communicate with the wireless network. The wireless network antenna comprises a closed cylinder, wherein the antenna assembly is rotatably mounted within the closed cylinder, such that, upon command from the controller, the motor engages the antenna assembly to mechanically rotate the antenna assembly about a central axis of the closed cylinder.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of the following co-pendingand commonly-assigned applications:

U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/797,412, filed on Jun. 9, 2010, byJohn L. Norin, entitled “OMNIDIRECTIONAL SWITCHABLE BROADBAND WIRELESSANTENNA SYSTEM,” which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/185,552, filed onJun. 9, 2009; and

U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/797,570, filed on Jun. 9, 2010, byJohn L. Norin, entitled “INTEGRATED SATELLITE-TV BROADBAND WIRELESSSYSTEM,” which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/185,546, filed on Jun. 9, 2009;

all of which applications are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present specification relates generally to wireless communicationssystems, and in particular to a directional and steerable broadbandwireless antenna system.

2. Description of the Related Art

The use of wireless devices for communication has become commonplace.Numerous wireless networks, e.g., Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.,provide voice, data, video and other communications services viaterrestrial based “cellular” services, and other providers, e.g.,Intelsat, Iridium, etc., provide wireless services via satellite.

Wireless voice and data services, however, are limited by the ability ofthe wireless network to communicate where its signals may be blocked orotherwise where there is insufficient signal strength. For example,mobile devices typically have antennas with limited gain, and thereforethe antenna on the mobile device cannot transmit enough power or receiveenough signal strength to communicate in certain areas.

Other limitations on wireless networks include urban environments withtheir resultant multi-path interference, rural environments with theirlack of network infrastructure, and coverage inside buildings with theirsignal attenuation that may prevent reception or degrade signals in thewireless network, impacting both coverage and capacity of the wirelessnetwork. In particular, limitations of available spectrum for 4Gservices force the reuse of allocated spectrum, resulting in greaterinterference levels, thereby affecting the provision of 4G service.

It can be seen, then, that there is a need in the art for improvementsin the ability to access wireless networks in various environments, andto increase the capacity and efficiency of wireless networks.

SUMMARY

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize otherlimitations that will become apparent upon reading, the presentspecification discloses an apparatus and method for combining signalsreceived from a direct broadcast satellite system with signals receivedfrom a wireless network, including a satellite antenna for receiving thesignals from the direct broadcast satellite system; and a wirelessnetwork antenna, optionally co-located with the satellite antenna, forreceiving the signals from the wireless network.

In one embodiment, the wireless network antenna includes an antennaassembly that is rotated by a controller based on characteristics of thesignals received from the wireless network. The controller energizes andde-energizes a motor to mechanically rotate the antenna assembly toproperly align the wireless network antenna to communicate with thewireless network. The wireless network antenna comprises a closedcylinder, and the antenna assembly is rotatably mounted within theclosed cylinder, such that, upon command from the controller, the motorengages the antenna assembly to mechanically rotate the antenna assemblyabout a central axis of the closed cylinder. As a result, the wirelessnetwork antenna is omnidirectional during installation, but directionalduring operation.

The wireless network antenna may be mounted with the satellite antenna,for example, the wireless network antenna may be mounted on an arm thatis coupled to a mast of the satellite antenna. Alternatively, thewireless network antenna may be mounted separately from the satelliteantenna.

The present specification also discloses an apparatus for communicatingwith a wireless network, comprising a housing; an antenna assemblymounted within the housing; and a motor that engages the antennaassembly for mechanically orienting the antenna assembly within thehousing to communicate with the wireless network.

The housing is a closed cylinder, the antenna assembly is rotatablymounted within the closed cylinder, and the motor mechanically rotatesthe antenna assembly about a central axis of the closed cylinder.

The antenna assembly is comprised of one or more printed circuit boards(PCBs) implementing an antenna and electronics of a broadband wirelessmodem device. In one embodiment, both the antenna and the electronicsare spun about a center axis of the housing. In another embodiment, onlythe antenna is spun about a center axis of the housing, and theelectronics are mounted on and fixed to a base of the housing.

The motor is attached to a spacing plate of the antenna assembly, themotor's armature serves as a rotation bearing for the antenna assembly,and a rod serves as an upper pivot point, wherein the rod sits in apilot bushing pressed into the housing.

The motor is energized and de-energized in response to commands from acontroller to properly align the antenna assembly to communicate withthe wireless network, based on characteristics of signals received fromthe wireless network, wherein the characteristics of the signalscomprise one or more of Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI),Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal ReceivedQuality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Noise Interference Ratio (SINR), bit errorrate (BER), and block error/erasure rate (BLER).

Further, there may be a mechanism that prevents over-rotation of theantenna assembly, as well as a link quality indicator, provisioned onthe housing or a base for the housing, that provides a visual status ofwireless link quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system that integrates a satelliteantenna and a wireless network antenna at a subscriber's premises,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that further describes the components of asystem at the subscriber's premises, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing how a can-shaped antenna may bemounted on an outdoor unit.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are illustrations showing examples of stand-alonemounting for the can-shaped antenna.

FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), 5(c) and 5(d) are schematics that illustrate thecomponents of the can-shaped antenna, according to one or moreembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown, by way ofillustration, several embodiments. It is understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present specification.

Overview

The present specification discloses a wireless network antenna for usein deployment of wireless network services. Preferably, the antenna canbe rapidly installed without requiring any manual alignment with basestations or antennas of the wireless network, but the antenna later canbe operated by mechanically aligning it with the base stations orantennas of the wireless network. Antenna alignment can be accomplishedby mechanically rotating a single antenna face, wherein this antennaface would typically have elements for two orthogonal polarizations. Itis envisioned that embodiments of the wireless network antenna describedherein can offer high reliability and yet have low manufacturing costs.

System Description

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system 10 that integrates a satelliteantenna and a wireless network antenna at a subscriber's premises 12,according to one embodiment. A satellite antenna known as an OutdoorUnit (ODU) 14 is combined in the same mounting hardware, typicallylocated on the outside of the subscriber's premises 12, with acan-shaped wireless network antenna (also referred to herein as a“cantenna”) 16, in order to provide both direct broadcast satellitereception and wireless network reception. In other embodiments, the ODU14 and the cantenna 16 may be co-located at the subscriber's premises12, but not combined in the same mounting hardware.

A direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system 18 transmits signals to one ormore satellites 20, and the satellites 20 beam the signals to the ODU14. The ODU 14 receives these signals and sends the received signals,via a coax cable 22, through a power inserter 24 and coax splitter 26,to one or more integrated receivers/decoders (IRDs) 28, also known asset-top boxes (STBs), which decode the signals and separate the signalsinto viewer channels, which are then passed to monitor 30 for viewing bya user.

A wireless network 32 sends signals to one or more antennas 34, and theantennas 34 transmit the signals to the cantenna 16. The cantenna 16receives these signals and sends the received signals, via the coaxcable 22, through the power inserter 24 and coax splitter 26, to a homenetwork 36, which may comprise one or more devices, such as PCs,routers, etc., and may include a local wireless communications path foruse with one or more mobile devices 38.

In one embodiment, the wireless network 32 may comprise a mobile orcellular network that provides wireless voice and/or data, including 3Gand 4G networks, although other wireless networks 32 could be used aswell. These other wireless networks 32 may comprise wireless broadbandnetworks (such as Wi-Fi or Wi-Max networks), wireless local areanetworks (LANs), wireless wide area networks (WANs) wireless personalarea networks (PANs), wireless metropolitan area networks (MANs),wireless mesh networks, and other wireless networks.

Thus, the system 10 combines signals received from the DBS system 18with signals received from the wireless network 34, using a satelliteantenna 14 for receiving the signals from the DBS system 18, and awireless network antenna 16, co-located with the satellite antenna 14,for receiving the signals from the wireless network 32.

As the DBS system 18 broadcasts additional services and additionalchannels to the subscriber's premises 12, viewers will like and expectadditional wireless network 32 services to be delivered at reasonablecost in addition to the DBS system 18 services. Similarly, users of thewireless network 32 services will like and expect to have access to theDBS system 18 services. The combination of the ODU 14 and the cantenna16 provides this capability, and integrates the DBS system 18 serviceswith the wireless network 32 services in a cost effective manner.

Note that either or both the IRDs 28 and the home network 36 maycommunicate with either or both the DBS system 18 and the wirelessnetwork 32. Indeed, the IRDs 28 may communicate with the wirelessnetwork 32 to enhance the services received by the IRDs 28 from the DBSsystem 18. Similarly, the home network 36 may communicate with the DBSsystem 18 to enhance the services received by the home network 36 fromthe wireless network 32.

In addition, as noted above, the cantenna 16 provides a means for thewireless network 32 to communicate with the mobile device 38 via thelocal wireless communications path provided by the home network 36. Themobile device 38 may be served, for example, by a transformation toWi-Fi or some other format on the local wireless communications pathprovided by the home network 36.

Alternatively, the cantenna 16 may perform as a low latency repeater orrelay for the wireless network 32 to communicate with the mobile device38 via the local wireless communications path provided by the homenetwork 36. Outdoors, the mobile device 38 may communicate with theantenna 34 directly. Inside the subscriber's premises 12, however, thesignal from the antenna 34 may be attenuated to a level that preventsdirect communication between the antenna 34 and the mobile device 38.Without the local wireless communications path provided by the homenetwork 36, and the additional gain provided by the cantenna 16, it ispossible that a connection would not be present at all between thewireless network 32 and the mobile device 38, or that the connectionwould not support the data speeds available with the cantenna 16. Notethat, as the mobile device 38 moves from inside the subscriber'spremises 12 to outside, or vice versa, a handoff may occur between thehome network 36 and the antenna 34, while maintaining a communicationspath with the wireless network 32.

Subscriber Premises Description

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that further describes the components of thesystem 10 found at the subscriber's premises 12, according to oneembodiment.

The ODU 14, which may include a multi-switch (not shown), is coupled viathe coax cable 22 with the cantenna 16. The cantenna 16 is coupled viathe coax cable 22 with the power inserter 24. Signals from both the ODU14 and cantenna 16 are routed to the power inserter 24, and then to thecoaxial splitter 26, for delivery to the IRDs 28 and/or the home network36.

Thus, either or both the ODU 14 and cantenna 16 can communicate witheither or both the IRDs 28 and the home network 36, using the coax cable22, in order to operate in conjunction with either or both the DBSsystem 18 and the wireless network 32. For example, an IRD 28 may beenabled using the cantenna 16 to access the wireless network 32.Similarly, the home network 36 may be enabled using the ODU 14 to accessthe DBS system 18.

In one embodiment, the cantenna 16 comprises a broadband wireless modemdevice that includes the following modules: antenna 40, radio 42,bridge/modem/networking 44, power 46, management/control 48 and coaxnetworking 50. Using the modules, the cantenna 16 enables two-waycommunication services and delivery of signals with the wireless network32.

The antenna 40 can be of any design, e.g., plate, patch,omnidirectional, phased array, etc., that will enable communicationswith such networks 32, and can transmit and receive any frequency bandas desired.

The radio module 42 is compatible with the antenna 40, and enables thecoding and frequency generation compatible with the wireless network 32.The radio module 42 can be designed to be compatible with a singlewireless network 32, or to be compatible with multiple differentwireless networks 32, as desired.

The bridge/modem/network module 44 is used to combine, modulate,demodulate and distribute signals received from both the wirelessnetwork 32 and the DBS system 18, essentially providing an interfacethat couples the DBS system 18 with the wireless network 32. Thebridge/modem/network module 44 typically comprises a bridge or combinerto couple the two signals (wireless and satellite) together at specificfrequencies, coding schemes, etc., and to translate these signals intosignals that can be used by the IRDs 28 and/or the home network 36 (andother devices as desired). The bridge/modem/network module 44 provides amodem to modulate and demodulate the signals into desired orpredetermined modulation schema for use by the various devices 28 and 36(and other devices as desired). The bridge/modem/network module 44 alsoallows for networking of these signals for use by the various devices 28and 36 (and other devices as desired).

The power source module 46 can be a stand-alone power source. Inaddition, the power source module 46 can derive power from the powerinserter 24, or from the IRDs 28, or from the home network 36.

The management/control module 48 is a controller for the cantenna 16,and generally responds to commands related to the wireless network 32,via the antenna 40, IRDs 28 or home network 36. However, commandsrelated to the DBS system 18, received either via the ODU 14, IRDs 28 orhome network 36, can be sent and interpreted by the management/controlmodule 48 as well.

The coax networking module 50 handles the interface to the coaxial cable22. In one embodiment, the coax networking module 50 provides both acoaxial input connector (Sat LNB) for the coax cable 22 from the ODU 14and a coax output connector (Homerun “F”) for the coax cable 22 to thepower inserter 24. Both the satellite 20 signals received by the ODU 14and the antenna 34 signals received by the cantenna 16 are combined ontothe single coaxial cable 22 provided to the power inserter 24. The coaxnetworking module 50 uses a frequency band for the wireless network 32(received by the cantenna 16) that is located apart from the frequencyband used by the DBS system 18 (received by the ODU 14). In oneembodiment, the frequency band used for the wireless network 32(received by the cantenna 16) is the DIRECTV Home Network (MoCA) coaxialfrequency band, while the frequency band used for the DBS system 18(received by the ODU 14) is the Satellite “L” band frequency band.

Mounting the Cantenna

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing how the cantenna 16 is mounted on theODU 14, according to one possible embodiment.

The ODU 14 typically comprises both a reflector dish and feedhornassembly to receive and redirect the downlink signals received from thesatellite 20. The feedhorn assembly is typically mounted on an arm thatattaches to the bottom of the reflector dish, and is comprised of one ormore low noise block (LNB) converters that downconvert the downlinksignals received from the satellite 20 into frequencies that are easilytransmitted by the coax cable 22. The LNBs are connected via coaxialcables to a multi-switch, which can be located within the feedhornassembly, elsewhere on the ODU 14, or within the subscriber's premises12. The multi-switch is controlled by the IRDs 28 and/or the homenetwork 36 to couple selected satellite 20 signals onto the coax cable22 for delivery to the IRDs 28 and/or the home network 36.

The ODU 14 itself is usually mounted to the roof or wall of thesubscriber's premises 12 by means of the mounting plate 52, whichsupports a mast 54 for mounting the ODU 14. This assembly enablesalignment of the ODU 14 for reception of the downlink signals from thesatellite 20.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cantenna 16 is mounted with theODU 14. Specifically, the cantenna 16 is mounted or supported by an arm56, which is coupled to the mast 54 of the ODU 14 by a bracket 58.Preferably, the cantenna 16 is positioned such that it does notinterfere with the alignment or operation of the ODU 14.

Nonetheless, the cantenna 16 can be mounted in various locations andpositions, e.g., on the mast 54, or elsewhere on ODU 14, or separatefrom ODU 14, as desired or depending on the packaging of the cantenna16. Further, the cantenna 16 can be mounted stand-alone, i.e.,separately from the ODU 14, if desired.

The stand-alone mounting of the cantenna 16 is illustrated in FIGS. 4(a)and 4(b). FIG. 4(a) is an illustration how the cantenna 16 is mountedstand-alone using an alternative mounting plate 60 and an alternativearm 62, as compared to FIG. 3. FIG. 4(b) is an illustration showingvarious possible orientations for the alternative mounting plate 60 andalternative arm 62, wherein, in each of the various possibleorientations, the cantenna 16 can be positioned upright. Even whenmounted stand-alone, the cantenna 16 still would be coupled to the ODU14 by the coax cable 22.

As a result, the cantenna 16 can be quickly installed either on the mast54 of the ODU 14 or elsewhere on the subscriber's premises 12. Such anapproach allows the cantenna 16 to take advantage of one or more keyassets that the ODU 14 provides at the subscriber's premises 12, namely,a mount point at the mast 54, power from the coax cable 22 used by theODU 14, and a communications path into the subscriber's premises 12 asalso provided by the coax cable 22. These factors greatly reduce thecost of an outdoor fixed antenna 16 for wireless network 32 reception.

In either instance, co-locating the cantenna 16 with ODU 14 provides forhigher gain in the communications path with the antenna 34, theelimination of building penetration loss within the subscriber'spremises 12, and the practicality of higher transmit power from a fixedpower source. In addition, improved link performance is obtained bypositioning the cantenna 16 above the ground, which results in lowerpropagation losses, and decreases interference from adjacent antennas34, resulting in a lower interference environment. As a result, there ismore efficient use of the spectrum by the wireless network 32.

Further, the improved link budget allows for operation with a higherorder modulation format (e.g., 64 QAM instead of QPSK), thereby allowingfor higher connection speeds and/or less time resource required on thewireless network 32 to achieve a desired connection speed. This leads tohigher efficiency of the wireless network 32, making it feasible tooffer residential fixed broadband service over the wireless network 32.

As such, when mounted to the roof or side walls of the subscriber'spremises 12, the cantenna 16 can not only extend the useful coveragearea of wireless system 32 for that user, it can extend the usefulcoverage area of wireless system 32 for other users. For example, thecantenna 16 can be used as a relay node of the wireless network 32,wherein a first cantenna 16 mounted on a first subscriber's premises 12that is a closer distance from the antenna 34 of the wireless network 32acts as a relay for a second cantenna mounted on a second subscriber'spremises 12 that is a further distance from the antenna 34 of thewireless network 32, thus extending the coverage area for the wirelessnetwork 32 without the need for additional antennas 34.

Cantenna Components

FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), 5(c) and 5(d) are schematics that illustrate thecomponents of the cantenna 16 in accordance with several embodiments.The components of the cantenna 16 depicted in the schematics include ahousing 64, a base 66, a motor 68, spacing plates 70 a and 70 b, anantenna assembly comprised of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs)72, 74 mounted within the housing 64 and implementing the antenna 40 andthe electronics 44, 46, 48 and 50 of the broadband wireless modemdevice, a power and data cable 76, and a link quality indicator 78.

FIG. 5(a) is a cross-section side view of the cantenna 16, according toa first embodiment. As shown, the cantenna 16 is a closed cylindercomprised of the housing 64 mounted on the base 66, the antenna assemblyis rotatably mounted within the closed cylinder, and the motor 68mechanically rotates the antenna assembly about a central axis of theclosed cylinder.

The housing 64 is typically transparent to the frequencies of interestbeing transmitted and received by the antenna 40. In one embodiment,these frequencies are in ranges of the 700, 1900, or 1700/2100 MHz, butcan be of any frequency range without departing from the scope of thepresent specification.

The base 66 is a structural element that supports the other elements ofthe cantenna 16. Preferably, the base 66 engages with the housing 64 ina manner that encloses all of other components of the cantenna 16 in aweather-proof package

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the antenna assembly may be comprised of two PCBs72 and 74, wherein PCB 72 implements the antenna 40 and PCB 74implements the electronics 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50. Alternatively, theantenna assembly may be comprised of a single PCB implementing theantenna 40 and the electronics 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50, or more than twoPCBs implementing the antenna 40 and the electronics 42, 44, 46, 48 and50.

One of the advantages of the antenna assembly is that it allows theantenna 40 area to be roughly the cross-sectional area of the housing64. To achieve this, the PCB 72 implementing the antenna 40 should beclose to intersecting a central axis of the “can” comprising the housing64, which allows it to have the greatest area for a given enclosuresize.

Alternatively, the antenna 40 can be of any dimension, and of anydesign, with one or more elements receiving and transmitting one or morepolarizations. For example, the antenna 40 could be implemented as aflat plate, or “patch” style antenna 40, such as a copper panel, ratherthan a PCB.

In the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 5(a), the two PCBs 72 and 74 arespaced apart by plates 70 a and 70 b, such that the rotation drive motor68 can be placed between the PCBs 72 and 74. The antenna assembly isrotated, by action of the motor 68, about the central axis of thehousing 64, with low lateral load, and completely contained within thehousing 64.

The motor 68 operates in response to commands from themanagement/control module 48 implemented on the PCB 74. Specifically,the management/control module 48 energizes and de-energizes the motor 68to mechanically rotate the antenna assembly a specified distance toproperly the align the cantenna 16 to communicate with the wirelessnetwork 32, based on characteristics of the signals received from thewireless network 32, wherein the characteristics of the signals maycomprise one or more of Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI),Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal ReceivedQuality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Noise Interference Ratio (SINR), bit errorrate (BER), block error/erasure rate (BLER), etc.

The motor 68 itself is attached to the bottom spacing plate 70 b, of theantenna assembly, wherein the motor's 68 armature serves as a bottomrotation bearing for the antenna assembly. The upper spacing plate 70 ahas a rod that serves as an upper pivot point, wherein the rod sits in apilot bushing pressed into the housing 64. Alternative embodiments arepossible, for example, where the motor 68 is attached to the upperspacing plate 70 a, the motor's 68 armature serves as an upper rotationbearing, and the bottom upper spacing plate 70 b has a rod that servesas a lower pivot point, wherein the rod sits in a pilot bushing pressedinto the housing 64.

Note that other configurations could be used to rotate the antennaassembly as well. For example, the motor 68 can be mounted elsewherewithin cantenna 16, and use other mechanisms, such as shafts, gears,bearings, etc., to rotate the plate 70 and with it, the antennaassembly. Any mechanism capable of rotating the antenna assembly may beused.

Moreover, there may be a mechanism, such as a post, slot, pin or stop,or merely the programming of the management/control module 48, thatprevents over-rotation of the antenna assembly and damage to thecomponents of the cantenna 16, such as the power and data cable 76.Specifically, the power and data cable 76 is of a finite length, andthus continued rotation of antenna 40 may damage the power and datacable 76, place additional strain on the motor 68, or cause otherdeleterious effects on the cantenna 16.

The power and data cable 76 connects the components of the cantenna 16to the other elements of the system, and includes one or moreconnections to the coax cable 22. Alternatively, the power and datacable 76 could be replaced by one or more wireless connections, or thepower and data cable 76 could be replaced by a coaxial slip joint orslip-ring between the stationary base 66 and the rotating antennaassembly.

The link quality indicator 78, which is an optional element, maycomprise a single color or multiple color light-emitting diode (LED)that provides a visual status of the wireless link quality, e.g., thecharacteristics of the signals mentioned above. The link qualityindicator 78 may be provisioned on the base 66 or housing 64. The linkquality indicator 78 may be electrically connected to and controlled bythe management/control module 48.

As noted above, in the first embodiment of FIG. 5(a), the motor 68, PCB72 and PCB 74 are “spun” about the center axis of the housing 64.However, in alternative embodiments, only the PCB antenna 72 may be spunabout the center axis of the housing 64, and either or both the PCB 74and the motor 68 may be fixed. There are advantages to both approaches,but there are definite advantages to the rotating antenna assembly beingas light as possible, as compared to having the antenna 40 andelectronics 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 mounted together in one sub-module.

FIG. 5(b) is a cross-section side view of the cantenna 16, according toa second embodiment. In this embodiment, the modules 42, 44, 46, 48 and50 are implemented on a single PCB 74 that is mounted on and fixed tothe base 66 of the housing 64, wherein only the PCB 72 implementing theantenna 40 is rotated. Similarly, the motor 68 is also mounted on andfixed to the base 66.

FIG. 5(c) is a cross-section front view of the cantenna 16, according tothe second embodiment. A similar view would exist for the firstembodiment, except that the PCB 74 implementing the modules 42, 44, 46,48, 50 would be hidden, because it would be mounted on the opposite sidefrom the PCB 72 implementing the antenna 40, rather than on the base 66.

FIG. 5(d) is a cross-section top view of the cantenna 16, according tothe first embodiment. The semicircular arrows within the housing 64, onopposite sides of the rotating antenna assembly comprised of the plate70 a, PCB 72, and PCB 74, are intended to indicate one possibledirection of rotation for the antenna assembly within the housing 64.

Cantenna Operation

As noted above, at least the antenna 40 can be rotated by action of themotor 68 as commanded by the management/control module 48. In thisregard, the management/control module 48 selects and determines signalcharacteristics, e.g., Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI),Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). Reference Signal ReceivedQuality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Noise Interference Ratio (SINR), bit errorrate (BER), block error/erasure rate (BLER), etc., at the antenna 40, inorder to determine whether or not the motor 68 needs to be engaged torotate the antenna 40 to properly communicate with the antenna 34 of thewireless network 32.

If communications with the antenna 34, or another communications target,requires a different orientation of the antenna 40, themanagement/control module 48 energizes and de-energizes the motor 68 torotate the antenna 40 to a proper orientation based on the signalcharacteristics. Feedback and dithering can be used to determine antenna40 positioning, wherein the signal characteristics are monitored as theantenna 40 is repeatedly moved, in order to properly align the antenna40.

For some embodiments of the cantenna 16, multiple signals can bereceived, which may require that the management/control module 48determine a “compromise” position, such as a position that determines abest fit operating location for the antenna 40 to transmit and/orreceive multiple signals, without maximizing the signal strength orother characteristic of any single signal, whereas at other times, themanagement/control module 48 may maximize one or more of the signalcharacteristics to the exclusion of others based on several factors,e.g., priority of transmission, maintenance of one of the signalcommunications paths, etc. Determination of the position of the antenna40 may be based on any signal characteristic, whether optimized,maximized, minimized, or otherwise controlled.

For example, the antenna 40 receives a signal, which is analyzed by themanagement/control module 48 for one or more signal characteristics. Tosee if the characteristics can be optimized for that particular signal,the management/control module 48 sends a command to the motor 68 torotate the antenna 40 in a specific direction for a specific distance,e.g., clockwise 5 degrees, and the characteristics of the receivedsignal can be analyzed again to see the change in the characteristics ofthe received signal. Once the signal characteristics have beenoptimized, maximized, minimized, or otherwise controlled, by themanagement/control module 48, the antenna 40 is properly positioned forreception and/or transmission of the signal on that particular wirelesscommunications link.

Although described herein with respect to a single antenna 40, anynumber of antennas 40 can be used with the cantenna 16. Moreover, thecantenna system 16 can rotate the multiple antennas 40 to differentpositions independently. Other embodiments may include antennas 40 thatrotate in patterns other than circular or axial, e.g., elliptical, arcs,or linear motion. Any combination of movement and number of antennas 40within the cantenna 16 are envisioned.

Because the management/control module 48 can determine signalcharacteristics received at the antenna 40, and rotate or move theantenna 40 based on these signal characteristics, the cantenna 16 can beoriented in a variety of directions during and following installation.Indeed, during installation, the cantenna 16 can be pointed in virtuallyany direction, and later pointed in the desired direction, rather thanpointing the cantenna 16 in a particular direction during installationto receive signals from the antenna 34, which would require a morecomplicated installation procedure for the cantenna 16.

Such installation freedom renders the cantenna 16 as “omnidirectional”during installation, but “directional” during operation, because of thecontrol provided by movement of the antenna 40. For example, since themanagement/control module 48 can determine which direction the antenna40 should be pointed at any given time and, through computation, whichdirection the signals are received, the management/control module 48 canenergize and/or de-energize the motor 68 to allow the antenna 40 toreceive the signal based on the signal characteristics.

Further, the cantenna 16 can be re-configured following installationshould the signal characteristics change. For example, if more antennas34 are added in the area by the wireless network 32, or if more power isapplied by one of the antennas 34 already in the area by the wirelessnetwork 32, which may change the direction and/or characteristics of thesignals being received by cantenna 16, the antenna 40 can be rotated asnecessary to take advantage of these changes. As such, periodically orcontinuously, the management/control module 48 can re-evaluate thesignal characteristics being received by antenna 40 and re-position theantenna 40 by commanding the motor 68 to rotate the antenna 40 asnecessary. No physical re-alignment of the cantenna 16, orre-installation of the cantenna 16, would typically be required, becausethe management/control module 48 re-configures the antenna 40 by movingthe antenna 40 to “point” at one or more of the antennas 34 of thewireless network 32.

Advantages of the Cantenna

The cantenna 16 provides a number of advantages over related approaches.For example, phased array elements and control systems to create phasedarray beams allow for omnidirectional placement of phased array antennasin a manner similar to that used for the cantenna 16. However, suchphased array elements and control systems are expensive to produce andmaintain.

On the other hand, the cantenna 16 is relatively inexpensive to produceand maintain, and yet still provides for omnidirectional placementduring installation. Moreover, the cantenna 16 is directional duringoperation, as a result of mechanically rotating the antenna 40.

The cantenna 16 further offers higher reliability, lower manufacturingand development costs, and improved wireless network 32 access for bothnew and pre-existing ODU 14 installations for DBS systems 18. Thecantenna 16 also places fairly benign requirements on the signal andpower connections provided by ODU 14.

CONCLUSION

The foregoing description of one or more embodiments has been presentedfor the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the specification to the precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teaching, without fundamentally deviating from the essence ofthe present specification.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for communicating with a wirelessnetwork, comprising: a wireless network antenna that receives signalsfrom the wireless network and sends signals to the wireless network;wherein the wireless network antenna includes a housing that is a closedcylinder, an antenna assembly mounted within the housing, and a motorthat engages the antenna assembly for mechanically orienting the antennaassembly within the housing to communicate with the wireless network;and wherein the signals of the wireless network antenna are communicatedwith a home network using a single coax cable that is shared withsignals from a satellite antenna that are received from a directbroadcast satellite system and communicated with a receiver/decoder ofthe direct broadcast satellite system.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the antenna assembly is rotatably mounted within the closedcylinder, and the motor mechanically rotates the antenna assembly abouta central axis of the closed cylinder.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the antenna assembly is comprised of one or more printed circuitboards (PCBs) implementing an antenna and electronics of a broadbandwireless modem device, and both the antenna and the electronics are spunabout a center axis of the housing.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe antenna assembly is comprised of one or more printed circuit boards(PCBs) implementing an antenna and electronics of a broadband wirelessmodem device, only the antenna is spun about a center axis of thehousing, and the electronics are mounted on and fixed to a base of thehousing.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is attached to aspacing plate of the antenna assembly, the motor's armature serves as arotation bearing for the antenna assembly, and a rod serves as an upperpivot point, wherein the rod sits in a pilot bushing pressed into thehousing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is energized andde-energized in response to commands from a controller to properly alignthe antenna assembly to communicate with the wireless network, based oncharacteristics of signals received from the wireless network, whereinthe characteristics of the signals comprise one or more of ReceivedSignal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Power(RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-NoiseInterference Ratio (SINR), bit error rate (BER), and block error/erasurerate (BLER).
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mechanismthat prevents over-rotation of the antenna assembly.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a link quality indicator, provisioned on thehousing or a base for the housing, that provides a visual status ofwireless link quality.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wirelessnetwork antenna and the satellite antenna communicate with either orboth the home network for the wireless network and the receiver/decoderof the direct broadcast satellite system using the single coax cable.10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless network antenna isco-located with the satellite antenna that receives signals from thedirect broadcast satellite system.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the wireless network antenna is mounted on an arm that iscoupled to a mast of the satellite antenna.
 12. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the wireless network antenna is mounted separately from thesatellite antenna.
 13. A method of communicating with a wirelessnetwork, comprising: receiving signals from the wireless network andsending signals to the wireless network using a wireless networkantenna; wherein the wireless network antenna includes a housing that isa closed cylinder, an antenna assembly mounted within the housing, and amotor that engages the antenna assembly for mechanically orienting theantenna assembly within the housing to communicate with the wirelessnetwork; and wherein the signals of the wireless network antenna arecommunicated with a home network using a single coax cable that isshared with signals from a satellite antenna that are received from adirect broadcast satellite system and communicated with areceiver/decoder of the direct broadcast satellite system.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the antenna assembly is rotatably mountedwithin the closed cylinder, and the motor mechanically rotates theantenna assembly about a central axis of the closed cylinder.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the antenna assembly is comprised of one ormore printed circuit boards (PCBs) implementing an antenna andelectronics of a broadband wireless modem device, and both the antennaand the electronics are spun about a center axis of the housing.
 16. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the antenna assembly is comprised of one ormore printed circuit boards (PCBs) implementing an antenna andelectronics of a broadband wireless modem device, only the antenna isspun about a center axis of the housing, and the electronics are mountedon and fixed to a base of the housing.
 17. The method of claim 13,wherein the motor is attached to a spacing plate of the antennaassembly, the motor's armature serves as a rotation bearing for theantenna assembly, and a rod serves as an upper pivot point, wherein therod sits in a pilot bushing pressed into the housing.
 18. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the motor is energized and de-energized in response tocommands from a controller to properly align the antenna assembly tocommunicate with the wireless network, based on characteristics ofsignals received from the wireless network, wherein the characteristicsof the signals comprise one or more of Received Signal StrengthIndicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), ReferenceSignal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Noise Interference Ratio(SINR), bit error rate (BER), and block error/erasure rate (BLER). 19.The method of claim 13, further comprising preventing over-rotation ofthe antenna assembly.
 20. The method of claim 13, further comprisingproviding a visual status of wireless link quality using a link qualityindicator provisioned on the housing or a base for the housing.
 21. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the wireless network antenna and thesatellite antenna communicate with either or both the home network andthe receiver/decoder of the direct broadcast satellite system using thesingle coax cable.
 22. The method of claim 13, wherein the wirelessnetwork antenna is co-located with the satellite antenna that receivessignals from the direct broadcast satellite system.
 23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the wireless network antenna is mounted on an arm thatis coupled to a mast of the satellite antenna.
 24. The method of claim13, wherein the wireless network antenna is mounted separately from thesatellite antenna.